Q. Do you have any information about remedies for urinary tract infections (UTI) other than antibiotics? What about cranberry juice?
A. Cranberry juice is a time-honored folk remedy for preventing or treating UTI. The science, on the other hand, is quite confusing.
An analysis of ten different controlled trials concluded that there is some evidence cranberry juice or pills prevent recurrent UTIs (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008. Issue 1).
The most recent study did not find a difference between cranberry juice and a look-alike, cranberry-flavored placebo beverage (Clinical Infectious Diseases, Jan. 1, 2011). The authors were surprised, however, that women in both arms of the trial had only half as many infections as anticipated. They speculate that the placebo might accidentally have contained the infection-fighting ingredient in cranberries.
Readers of this column report that cranberry pills have been helpful: “I was having frequent UTIs when a friend suggested taking a 500 mg capsule of cranberry daily. I haven’t had a UTI in the two years since then.”